Developing a plan for life after graduation can be a challenge for any student. It can be intimidating to make decisions about what your next step will be and which direction it will take you. For international students, we realize this can be an even more time-consuming and confusing process.

One of the first places to start is to determine where you would like to work. The U.S.? Your home country? Another country? Being honest with yourself (and others helping you with your search) about your geographic goals will help you tailor your search to that particular area. Resume format, interviewing approaches and cultural norms can, and often do, change from country to country.

However, many aspects of your search will remain the same. A successful search for any job seeker requires common ingredients like developing personal contacts, creating a targeted list of employers, communicating well, and knowing how to describe your skills, experience and goals. We recommend carefully reviewing the information for students on our website that relates to your current needs.

In addition to this information, there are additional tools that can be of use to you in your search. The more you know about your industry and geographic area of interest, the better able you will be to connect your skills and experience to what the employer needs. Use our Career Resources to take your research to the next level. Featured resources include:

RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS, FIELDS OF INTEREST, AND GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS

CareerSearch – Fast access to almost 10 million key contacts, including: company descriptions, addresses, names, titles and many e-mail addresses. Search by industry, advertising agencies, health care providers, manufacturers, museums, nonprofits, publishers and more! Use CareerSearch to find potential employers in your targeted geographic areas (U.S., Canada, and key international locations) to start uncovering the hidden opportunities in your field of interest. Also includes info on Top Rated Cities and Nations of the World.

WetFeet – Famous Insider Guides for industries, top choice employers, and career management strategies in addition to profiles on real people, careers, industries, and cities. Use WetFeet to learn what professionals do, how much they earn, what industries and employers are all about  and watch CareerTV videos to put it all in focus!

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES

American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries – The authoritative source of information on American firms with branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates in foreign countries. American companies listed have a substantial investment in overseas operations wholly or partially owned subsidiary affiliate or branch.

Foreign Firms Operating in the U.S. – The authoritative source of information on foreign firms (non-American) with branches,subsidiaries, or affiliates in the United States. Foreign companies listed have a substantial investment in American operations wholly or partially owned subsidiary affiliate or branch.

Going Global – Resources for those interested in expanding their job and internship search outside their home country. View country and USA city career guides, job and internship listings, key employer directory, and connect with professionals around the globe! Also includes information on visa sponsorship numbers by employers in certain geographic areas.

Other Advice and Resources

For those looking for a position in the U.S., make sure to take advantage of the expertise of the staff in MSU’s Office for International Students and Scholars (103 International Center, 517.353.1720, oiss.msu.edu) who can help you with legal issues surrounding visas, work authorizations and other issues.

Make sure to check MySpartanCareer regularly for employers recruiting on campus, posting positions and attending career fairs who are looking for students with your qualifications. Don’t forget to keep your profile up to date! Also look for employer information sessions and career workshops related to your interests and needs or specifically for international students.

For additional assistance, make an advising appointment with a career advisor and/or advisor in OISS.